Van Persie wins derby for United amid ugly scenes

Robin van Persie scored a stoppage-time winner as Manchester United clinched a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Manchester City to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points on Sunday.

United looked to have squandered a chance to claim the Manchester derby bragging rights when Pablo Zabaleta's equaliser with four minutes remaining completed a brave comeback from City, who had been given a lifeline by Yaya Toure's second half goal after trailing to a first half brace from Wayne Rooney.

Bob Murphy announces retirement

Bob Murphy announces retirement

Mancini losing patience with Balotelli

Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini challenges striker Mario Balotelli to make use of his wasted talent after City’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.

But Alex Ferguson's side underlined their determination to wrestle the title back from City with a sensational response through van Persie, whose deflected free-kick handed the champions their first Premier League defeat of the season and their first home league loss since Everton won at Eastlands in December 2010.

"Today was a special one simply because they haven't lost at home for two years, both of us are contending at the top of the league," said Ferguson, who was angry that Ashley Young had a goal ruled out before City pulled one back.

The remarkable finale was marred however when United defender Rio Ferdinand was hit by a coin thrown from the crowd as he celebrated the winner, while Hart had to stop another supporter who ran onto the pitch to try to reach Ferdinand.

Elsewhere, Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar grabbed late goals to complete a remarkable fightback as Everton beat Tottenham 2-1 at Goodison Park to go fourth in the table.

Clint Dempsey struck for Tottenham in the 76th minute with the help of a deflection off Everton defender Sylvain Distin.

But David Moyes' men snatched a deserved victory thanks to an equaliser from South Africa midfielder Pienaar in the 90th minute and Croatia striker Jelavic's winner in the second minute of stoppage-time.

In the day's late game, Liverpool came from behind to win 3-2 against West Ham at Upton Park.

Former West Ham defender Glen Johnson fired the Reds into the lead with a brilliant strike into the top corner in the 11th minute.

Steven Gerrard's own goal, a header from Matt Jarvis's cross, put West Ham in front in the 43rd minute.

But Liverpool substitute Joe Cole levelled against his old club before Hammers defender James Collins turned Jordan Henderson's cross into his own net under pressure from Jonjo Shelvey three minutes later.